DJ Jazzy Jeff's accomplishments extend well beyond his status as one-half of a multi-platinum rap duo. Regarded as a pioneering turntable tactician for his well-honed skills and for his development of the transformer scratch, the Philadelphian (born Jeff Townes) founded a production house -- called A Touch of Jazz -- a few years into his alliance with
Will Smith as
DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. Since parting ways with his partner, the DJ has worked on records by
KRS-One,
Kenny Lattimore,
Jill Scott,
J-Live, and
King Britt's
Sylk 130. In 2002, he put together a stylistically diverse solo album for BBE;
Magnificent, like a
Quincy Jones record, found
Jeff supported by a number of co-stars, most of whom were also Philadelphians. Two years later, his first ever DJ mix Hip Hop Forever, Vol. 2 was released. The Return of the Magnificent, featuring another all-star support cast, came out in 2007. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide